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The Different Shades of Durgotsav

The Different Shades of Durgotsav

Shreya Sengupta

DK editor, crazy about travel, food and movies. Used to be an Indian and Western classical dancer, and hopes to find time to rekindle that love. Wants to backpack across Eastern Europe and South America on her own.

October 21, 2015

At the Chittaranjan Park Kali Bari

Ma esheche (Mother is here)!

The moment you hear the cry, you know it is that time of the year when all your Bengali friends and colleagues will don their glitziest new outfits and do that thing they call 'pandal hopping'. You know that the pandals in your neighbourhood are up and beautiful idols of Ma Durga have been unveiled. Every morning and evening, you will want to sway to the addictive beat of the drums (dhak, as Bengalis call it) or start salivating when the aroma of sumptuous Bengali food wafts into your house. You know that Durga puja is here.

To the onlooker, puja may seem monotonous, with people going through the motions year in and year out. But ask a Bengali, and he/she will tell you about the real pujo spirit. It is this spirit that paints the pandals in different shades of joy and celebration every year. It is the joy that you feel when you see Ma Durga for the first time. It is this spirit that removes the monotony of the processes and spreads a festive cheer in the air.

This year, DK captured this spirit during an evening in Chittaranjan Park – Delhi's famous Bong quarter. We bring to you the different shades of pujo.

Different strokes – the pandal at Mela Ground

The Goddess and her family at B-Block pandal, Chittaranjan Park

A hat seller at the B-Block pandal patiently waits for customers

One of the many attractions at the B-block puja ground

The Devi in her full glory at the pandal behind the GK-II Gurudwara

It's time to dance and celebrate

Colourful candyfloss – kids' favourite since ages

Photographs by Nishwan Rasool

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